Spain · City Guide
Valencia
Valencia is Spain's third largest city and one of its most enjoyable, combining the birthplace and spiritual home of paella, extraordinary futuristic architecture in the City of Arts and Sciences, an outstanding historic centre, beautiful beaches directly accessible from the city and the vibrant festival culture of Las Fallas. From the Central Market and the Silk Exchange to the spectacular Oceanogràfic aquarium, Valencia rewards every kind of visitor.
Elect's take
"Valencia has a confidence and a quality of everyday life that I find genuinely appealing. The food culture is extraordinary, the City of Arts and Sciences is spectacular and the combination of beaches, historic centre and vibrant culture creates one of Spain's most enjoyable cities."
The City of Arts and Sciences by Santiago Calatrava is one of the most ambitious architectural complexes in Europe, housing an opera house, planetarium, science museum and the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. The Central Market is one of the finest in Spain. The Silk Exchange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of outstanding Gothic commercial architecture. The beaches of Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal are excellent urban beaches. The Fallas festival in March burns enormous satirical sculptures in a spectacular pyrotechnic finale.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
City of Arts and Sciences
Calatrava's extraordinary futuristic complex, one of Europe's most spectacular architectural achievements.
Valencia Paella
The birthplace of paella with outstanding restaurants serving the authentic original recipe.
Central Market
One of Spain's finest food markets in a magnificent modernist building.
Silk Exchange
A UNESCO listed Gothic commercial building of extraordinary architectural quality.
Valencia Beaches
Excellent urban beaches at Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal within cycling distance of the centre.
Las Fallas
Valencia's extraordinary March festival of satirical sculptures culminating in a spectacular bonfire.
